Balsam Lake Provincial Park is the kind of “close-enough to get there, far-enough to feel away” escape that is a win for us. Its clean, sandy, kid-friendly beach and easy hiking trails/scenic loops provide a well rounded experience (note, many trails were closed when we went due to an earlier wind/snow storm bringing down some trees). The park and campgrounds are well-maintained and family-friendly. Since we camped there, we got to the beach early and was able to feel comfortable as the beach got crowded later in the day. Be aware, the campground roads are a bit narrow, so be aware while driving and walking. At Balsam, you’ll get solid outdoor fun, decent facilities, and a comfortable dose of nature with your ice cream at the Shop.

Balsam Lake Provincial Park offers a truly wonderful outdoor experience. The lake water was exceptionally clean and inviting, perfect for swimming and enjoying a peaceful day. The overall environment was calm and friendly, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind. I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the facilities. Both the beach area and the campsites were well-maintained and spotless. However, I was disappointed with the state of the washrooms, which were quite dirty and could have been much cleaner. This is one area that definitely needs improvement. Despite the issue with the washrooms, I'll definitely be visiting this park again. A key tip for anyone planning a trip: if you want to secure a campsite, be sure to book 5 or 6 months in advance, as spots fill up very quickly. This park is a gem, and with a little more attention to the washrooms, it would be perfect.

Great spot! Well maintained, easy to navigate. Some secluded spots or plenty of wide open sites. The comfort station was well maintained. Lake is nice, solid beach with sand for the kiddies. Parks and open fields to play in. Rentals are available to canoes and such.

This was our first visit to Balsam Lake Provincial Park, and we wanted to wrap up our camping season surrounded by the beauty of fall colours — it did not disappoint! Our RV site was spacious, spotless, and perfectly located. I love that the park is close to the city, making it an ideal weekend getaway. It’s absolutely worth the visit — a must for anyone who enjoys peaceful nature escapes. We had an amazing weekend here. The park offers beautiful waterfront trails, a clean and inviting lake perfect for swimming, and a well-maintained beach. There are several park stores nearby for snacks or essentials, and the campsites are large, quiet, and relaxing. The grounds are very well kept, the beach is lovely with clear water, and the comfort stations are clean and easy to access. Whether you prefer open sites or more secluded spots, there’s something for everyone. The park also features great amenities like canoe and kayak rentals, open fields for games, and a lookout point with a breathtaking sunset view. We’ll definitely be coming back — a truly relaxing and memorable camping experience!

Balsam Lake is one of the best camping spots within a couple of hours from the GTA. The campground is clean and well maintained, with spacious sites and plenty of trees for shade and privacy. The beach is beautiful — shallow, sandy, and perfect for kids. The water is clean and calm, ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also several hiking trails, canoe rentals, and lots of wildlife around. If you’re looking for a peaceful nature escape with great lake views, a nice beach, and solid facilities, this park is highly recommended.

Great park for family camping with all camping amenities. Nice beach with lots of picnic benches. Nice children's playground. There are also hiking/walking trails with a lookout.

I really enjoyed this park. Our first time here won't be our last. I like the fact that it's close to the city so it's perfect for weekend camping. Well worth the visit actually a must .

The Park is awesome! I had a great time walking the trails and checking out the beautiful lakes. The views are stunning and perfect for a chill day or a picnic with friends. Everything is super clean, and I loved seeing all the wildlife there

The sites are larger and a little more spaced apart than many other pro. Parks. Wood has gone up to $10 a bag and ($6 for kindling bag) Staff is courteous and friendly. Some noise from exterior roadways but otherwise pretty quiet. Site fees around $150 for three nites on a electrical site. Shower and bathroom Facilities are decent. Overall four stars because there is always room for improvement and nothing is perfect. (Other parks need to separate the sites better, they are too close together.) I must add, I am in favor for "NO" site fees because this is "OUR" land. There should instead be a park fee for entering.

What a wonderful little family oriented park. It's been called a hidden gem, and I personally 100% agree! Easy nature walking trail that's not too long. It's perfect for children to handle. It has two sandy beaches and a roped off swimming area. Fishing is okay along the Pigeon River. There are kayak and canoe rentals. Local attractions: There is a local dairy nearby along with another day use provincial park for more trail walks. Peterborough is only 20 minutes drive, where you can see and watch the life locks move boats through the Trent-Severn waterway. Great picnic area too!

Mostly people in RVs, very clean bathrooms and showers, huge beach. Dog beach is separate, and good for dogs, but pretty weedy and not great for humans to swim in. Be aware the camp store is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays— and that’s where you are meant to buy firewood. Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible with long, wide, nice ramps, but there’s is a rather large bump up to one ramp , see photos, could be a nuisance

We really enjoyed the last site and set up of this park. We were close to the park and main showers and washroom was easily accessible from campsite. We enjoy way too much ice cream from the park store. Only a few dollars for a very large kiddie cone. They lend out discovery kits for the kids which included net, bucket, magnifying glass and a sheet of things to hunt for. Beach was nice, small and usually crowded but kids had a blast. Lots of docks to fish off of but lake was very shallow when we were there.

Camped for a week in Emily PP with my wife, daughter and two grandchildren. Sites were really nice. Park staff I would have say could be the friendliest out of all the PP we have been to. Also very clean. Bathrooms were cleaned 3 or more times a day. The complete park was really well maintained. They also have really good ice-cream at park store. The one scoop cone was two all three time we got ice-cream. My only disappointment was not really good park programs during our stay.

Great park for family camping. I got the group camping with my friends. They have 3 spots for group camping and each camp site has its own outhouses , one for boy and one for girl. We got the #502 because the outhouses are in a separate spot next to the camping site, and there are lot of big trees for shading and privacy for all the tents ( don’t choose site #501, the outhouses are inside the campsite). The outhouses seem reasonably clean and there is a sink for you to wash your hand so bring hand soap. The park is well maintained and clean. The trails are easily and enjoyable to walk. The beach is quite big and clean but weedy. The playground is big enough for kids to play. There is a store selling camp fire wood, ices, ice cream, and souvenirs. They also have rental for kayaks and stand up paddle board. The bad things are they don’t have enough shower stations and charging station.

More than worth the drive from Toronto, we found this little place in downtown Lindsay. The server was super friendly, the atmosphere friendly + relaxed, the food delicious. The Wall of Heroes, a stellar tip-of-the-hat tribute to first responders and forces' personnel, was created by the owner and adds a special touch to the pub. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal, a wonderful visit to this delightful pub that I wish I could give a SIX star rating!

What a great little pub. Spent a week in Lindsay and discovered this gem of a pub. Excellent service, reasonable prices, great atmosphere and a huge selection on the menu. Ended up getting the Cornish pastie. Best we've ever had. Would definitely recommend this place.

We had a fantastic meal here-lots of choice and the food was excellent! Nicky was our server and she’s so hard-working and personable. We will definitely be back!

For dinner tonight, my family went to The Cat & The Fiddle Lindsay! It was a nice spot to try out and had some really good options food wise!! I had their Shepherd's Pie which was delicious along with their Sticky Toffee Pudding which was also delicious!

Absolutely enjoyed our experience. Food was good, service was excellent. Our server was Amanda. We had the fish tacos - INCREDIBLE, and the Scottish Meat Pie.

Amazing food, terrific menu and atmosphere, and our server Nicky was wonderful. Definitely will be back! The owner Lisa is a lovely lady and runs a first rate establishment. Best wings and French Onion Soup we've ever had! Ken and Deb

Were at a cottage rental for a week, our last night we checked this place out after fantastic reviews, and they were right. From the service to the food, was just like being in an English pub in London. Best place for sure.

Introduced family to this restaurant, this tome around. Generous servings. Picture lightly breaded pickerel. I needed to substitute potatoes for a salad. I was not expecting a large salad. It selected spinach & it had a chopped egg on top. Doggie container needed. For vegetarian, the restaurant makes a homemade burger. My husband loves it.

Sat in the patio with my dogs. Food was good, served pretty fast probably because we were the first ones. Great experience overall, will come back next time in Bobcaygeon.

First of all, the Jambalaya that I ordered was missing chicken.. supposed to be shrimp,sausage and chicken mix. Asked two servers and they don't know what's in it. Disappointed. The calamari that we got was okayish, it came with a sweet and sour dip that was kinda off for calamari. The baby beef liver was good and the gravy with it, good serving portion also.

Stopped in for takeout on the way to the cottage. Service was quick. So incredibly friendly. Seems like they all really enjoy working there. Two pieces of fish and fries was reasonably priced and incredibly delicious. We recieved three pieces as two of them were on the smaller side. Batter to fish ratio was excellent. The fish was still good and crispy 30 minutes later. And the fries were generous and delicious.

This was our first time eating here. Our server (I believe her name is Sara) was friendly and personable. She had a very light, humerous personality. We both ordered burgers. The burgers themselves were huge with sky-high toppings! Absolutely delicious. The fries (so tasty) came in little buckets! For an order of onion rings, two burgers and fries, two pop and a side of shrimp it cost us $91. Not terrible for great food and service.

Visiting from our of town, great selection on the menu but we chose the Halibut and chips which was perfect! Coleslaw was nice and service was top notch. Dessert was very good if you have room. Definitely would visit again

First time dining here and I’ll definitely be coming back! My server Sara was amazing, food was fast and so delicious, drinks were also amazing and the dessert was the cherry on top! Couldn’t have asked for a better experience

Had a excellent dinner at the Olympia restaurant tonight . Started with the flatbread and a espresso martini , delish ! I had the special , lemon schnitzel with Greek salad.So much food ,I took home at least half .I also took home raspberry Greek yogurt cake . Fantastic meal ,great service and lovely atmosphere! I will be returning.

The atmosphere here is amazing. You walk in and feel like you’re visiting family. And the food! De-lish!!! The owner Nicki is a delight and it shows by how joy filled the staff are! We will be back!

What a special place! You come in wanting food and you leave filled and feeling like family! Our waitress Danielle is a breath of fresh air! Good food, great service, wonderful live entertainment…what more could you ask for. Thanks Nicki!

Food was fresh and delicious, server was attentive and polite, patio was clean and inviting. The highlight was when the server suggested we try a signature cocktail with fresh mint that was just picked from their own plants. A great choice and so refreshing. The tap water had a funny taste to it so I didn’t drink it - tasted like it was stored in a jug that may need to be cleaned. Not worth removing a star for though. I will be back.

I always love coming here. Dani is our absolute favourite. Excellent service. Plus the food is incredible. I don’t remember the chefs name but he is always so friendly and accommodating. One of my favourite spots for dinner.

There were very sweet and friendly employees. If you are looking for a nice and delicious place, you should definitely go. It is a great place and the prices are also very good.

Love this restaurant!! It has been a go to for many years. Love this spot for either a casual dinner with a friend or a more business type luncheon as well. It is definitely a place you could go to have great conversation as the atmosphere isn’t overly loud. Food is always great. With a wide variety of menu options as well it has some great gluten free options.

Stopped in here on mothers day for a late lunch between 3-4pm Only 2 other tables occupied. Our food was great! Service was mediocre at best we asked for our bill, in a rush and waited 5-10 mins and then my husband got up and asked the server again to please bring our bill, she then brought it to us with a “sorry I got distracted” she was just chatting with a co worker. Place had food and garbage all over the floors. Not as clean as you’d like to see when you’re sitting somewhere to eat. Otherwise we enjoyed the atmosphere.

My experience overall was positive. I ordered the eggs Benny for a quick breakfast. I was surprised at how empty the restaurant was during the week especiallyjust prior to lunch hour. The food was good, although believe it or not, I found it was actually a lot of peameal bacon. You could actually reduce the amount of bacon and order larger eggs as the eggs seemed super small. The atmosphere of the restaurant was good and everything appeared neat and tidy. I did not find the server super friendly overall or helpful, and I was a single diner, and I was only the second table in the entire restaurant. After the food was dropped off I didn't see the server again until I was done my meal and I went up to tje counter to pay as no one was on the floor to checkup on the progress or bring the bill. I will come back and visit again and try the lunch menu and see if the service is the same.

Really enjoyed our breakfast at Symposium! Roxanne was our server, who is friendly, courteous and efficient. She took our order fairly quickly but we never felt rushed. Food came out just as we had ordered and tasted delicious. Prices are reasonable and comparable with industry standards. Would recommend this as a go-to spot. Thanks Roxanne, for your fantastic service!

100% satisfied. Roxanne was super kind and patient as I was a bit frazzled from the drive test and had really good suggestions as to what to order for my parents Had a symposium burger, tasted great! Far larger than I expected too haha

We dined at the Lindsay location today at lunchtime. Despite having only 1 server, Roxanne, managed a very large group reservation and numerous other tables. Thanks to Roxanne’s calm and professional demeanour, our beverages and meals were minimally delayed. I’m sound sensitive, and the room design does not absorb noise well. Otherwise it was a pleasant experience. Thanks entirely to Roxanne, we’ll be back.

The service was good, the atmosphere was good however the food was not good. The Caesar salad had hardly any dressing on it, we had to ask for more. The seafood pasta had oysters in it that had gone bad. We told the server and she didn’t seem to care. The only good meal was our daughter’s chicken finger meal. The prices for what is on the menu are absurdly expensive, more than $20 for a club sandwich. No thank you. We had been here a few times previously and thought it was mediocre at best but after today’s experience we won’t be back.

Hi, I ordered the broccoli cheddar soup and a milkshake, unfortunately they didn't have vanilla for the milkshake and only chocolate which I didn't want but they did offer. Let me tell you the soup far surpassed any expectations.This was the best soup I have ever had in my entire life. I regret only getting one bowl and can't wait to order again!!!

I ordered something simple Eggs & Toast and Home fries the waiter, asked if I wanted meat, I’m like sure I’ll have 2 pieces of bacon added. When the food came out my bacon was still uncooked, so I requested if they can cook the bacon waiter said no problem. Comes back with the bacon on a plate, I only had 1 piece on there and a bit, and the waiter says sorry the other piece fell apart. I’m like really? Where is it, it’s not 2 full pieces when I’m paying extra for an add on. Never once came around to ask us if we wanted more coffee and if our food was OK. Terrible customer service and this place was recommended by a family member, and so looking forward to going to a local diner, only to be disappointed in the food and service.

Just a typical diner, nothing fancy... but great food, big portions, good prices, friendly service and lots of parking. Had the Triple Diner Breakfast and French Toast, both were excellent.

Yesterday we came to eat lunch here at this restaurant and the food was delicious. Moreover we enjoyed the food and excellent service!!!! Thanks for everything!!!!

Food was delicious, service was friendly, but damn it has absolutely no atmosphere at all. Ugly place. Delicious food and a great value, if you don't mind eating at one of the ugliest restaurants I've ever seen. That back wall?! What were they thinking?!

Took 20 minutes for 2 big breakfasts to come out, that too all of my three eggs were Over hard when I ordered sunny side and very rubbery. Sausages were shriveled. Hf are those processed, bland type. Pancakes were uncooked and flat and took 20 minutes for them to come back which were much better this time. Had to ask for a side plate as the Bread (which was barely toasted) was placed on top of everything that was already served on such a small plate. The jams were slapped on the table by a server who was very monotone and didn't give a damn. Giving this place the benefit of the doubt though as the reviews are good and maybe we ended up coming on a bad day.

Food is amazing. Out of all the places my family and I have gone to for breakfast. We will go no where else to eat now. Price is good for the nice amount of food served, treated like family.

Great place for breakfast/lunch. Friendly staff. Delicious meal that filled the plate. We stopped in twice on our trip. I will be back on future trips without hesitation.